Need an idea for your secret pal's next gift? Here you go!

What do you give your secret pal to bring in the new year, once you get back from Christmas break? There’s nothing wrong with re-gifting something you didn’t want, as long as it’s something you think they might actually use.

You know that pair of wool socks that Grandma knitted even though you’re allergic to wool? How about those? Or the DVD you already owned–but Aunt Bonnie bought you another copy of it, because she knew you loved that movie… How about that?

Of course there are some no-nos. Never–and I mean NEVER–re-gift fruitcake. That’s just mean! Don’t give away things that might have your name on it either–that one’s a no-brainer (i.e. hand towels with your initials embroidered on them).

And because your secret pal is supposed to remain a secret, be sure you don’t re-gift something that might give away your identity. Here’s what I mean: your spouse works at the animal shelter, and every year as a Christmas bonus, the employees at the animal shelter get T-shirts with the name of the animal shelter emblazoned on them. Yeah. That’s going to be a dead give-away, since your secret pal knows which of his/her co-workers has a spouse who works at the animal shelter.

movies you’re not interested in watching or already own (keep them unopened)

alarm clocks/kitchen clocks/egg timers

Avoid re-gifting items that are too expensive to buy for your secret pal though. So don’t re-gift electronics. Remember, most secret pal programs suggest you keep your gifts in the five- to ten-dollar range. You can go online to figure out what your item most likely cost the original gift giver, and don’t re-gift it if you discover it was worth $30 or more brand new.

In closing, let me state that I’ll be making posts once a month from now on, since Christmas is over. That way you don’t have to un-follow this blog if your own Secret Santa program has ended. My monthly gift ideas usually center around holidays and events like Secretary Day and Mother’s Day, so posts should remain relevant.

Most people can give their secret pal a mini-bottle of wine, but if your secret pal works at a school with you, there’s a no-alcohol rule, of course. So what do you give your secret pal to bring in the new year, once you get back from Christmas break? Try a re-gift. You know that pair of mittens that Grandma knitted out of wool (and you’re allergic to wool)? How about those? Or the DVD you already owned–but Aunt Bonnie bought you another copy of it, because she knew you loved that movie… How about that?

Of course there are some no-nos. Never–and I mean NEVER–re-gift fruitcake. That’s just mean. Don’t give away things that might have your name on it either–that one’s a no-brainer (i.e. hand towels with your initials embroidered on them).

And because your secret pal is supposed to remain a secret, be sure you don’t re-gift something that might give away your identity. Here’s what I mean–your spouse works at the animal shelter, and every year as a Christmas bonus, the employees at the animal shelter get some sort of cheesy item with the name of the animal shelter emblazoned on it–like coasters or ball point pens or key chains. Yeah. That’s going to be a dead give-away, if your secret pal knows which of his/her co-workers has a spouse who works at the animal shelter.

movies you’re not interested in watching or already own (keep them unopened)

alarm clocks/kitchen clocks/egg timers

Avoid re-gifting items that are too expensive to buy for your secret pal though. So don’t re-gift an iPod or stereo or software. Remember, most secret pal programs suggest you keep your gifts in the five- to ten-dollar range. So go online and figure out what your item most likely cost the original gift giver, and don’t re-gift it if you discover it was worth $30 or more brand new.

In closing, let me state that I’ll be making posts about once a week from now on, since Christmas is over. That’s the new schedule at my work, for our secret pal program. I’ll be giving my secret pal his gift once a week on Fridays. So I’ll probably post once a week from now on. Hopefully my ideas will help. If you come up with something better, feel free to add comments. I’d love that!